10 Terrible Casting Decisions We're Still Scratching Our Heads Over

1. Hayden Christensen in "Jumper" (2008)

Let's kick off with the film that brought teleportation to the mainstream, only to deliver a major disappointment in its lead role. Hayden Christensen, known for his less-than-stellar performance in the Star Wars prequels, was chosen to play the protagonist David Rice. While the movie itself was an interesting concept, Christensen's acting chops—or lack thereof—did little to sell us on the idea of teleportation. Critics seemed to agree, with the film holding a meager 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Christensen's lack of emotional depth made us wish we could teleport to a time before we watched the film. Reports suggest that even the cast was surprised by the film's poor reception, but it's hard to ignore the impact of such a casting misstep.

2. Denise Richards in "The World Is Not Enough" (1999)

When you think of a nuclear physicist, does the image of a Bond girl come to mind? No? Well, that's exactly what happened when Denise Richards was cast as Dr. Christmas Jones in the 19th James Bond film, "The World Is Not Enough." While Richards might have the looks for a Bond girl, her portrayal of a nuclear physicist was less than convincing. Critics agreed, with Rotten Tomatoes giving the film a rating of just 51%. Even Pierce Brosnan, the Bond of the time, reportedly said in interviews years later that he had doubts about the casting decision. Richards' character became the butt of many jokes and is still remembered as one of the most unlikely casting decisions in the Bond series.

3. Mike Myers in "The Cat in the Hat" (2003)

When it was announced that Dr. Seuss' beloved book "The Cat in the Hat" was getting a live-action adaptation, there was genuine excitement. That is until Mike Myers, of "Austin Powers" fame, was cast in the titular role. While Myers has shown comic genius in his past roles, his over-the-top portrayal of the Cat felt like a slapstick spectacle that was more annoying than amusing. The audience reactions were mixed at best, with many agreeing that the film had missed the mark in capturing the charm of the original book. The film's 10% rating on Rotten Tomatoes sums it up quite succinctly. Even Myers reportedly had a difficult time during filming, with rumors of on-set disputes between him and the director surfacing post-release.

4. Cameron Diaz in "Gangs of New York" (2002)

"Gangs of New York" is a gritty tale of gang warfare in the 19th century, and Cameron Diaz, known more for her roles in romantic comedies, was cast as the female lead. It wasn't that Diaz gave a poor performance, but her casting as a hardened pickpocket felt out of place amidst the grizzled, brutal atmosphere of the film. The audience felt the same way, with many expressing that Diaz didn't quite fit the tone of the movie. The film boasts a solid 74% on Rotten Tomatoes, but Diaz's performance is often highlighted as the film's weak link.

5. Johnny Depp in "The Lone Ranger" (2013)

Johnny Depp is no stranger to eccentric roles, but his casting as Tonto, a Native American, in "The Lone Ranger" was met with raised eyebrows. The film was criticized for its casting of Depp, especially since it perpetuated stereotypes about Native Americans. Audiences agreed, leading to a lackluster box office performance and a tepid 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Behind the scenes, it was reported that Depp had based his character on a painting by an artist who claimed to have dreamed of a Native American figure. While Depp's intention may have been to pay homage, the execution and the casting decision itself left much to be desired.

6. Ashton Kutcher in "Jobs" (2013)

When you think of the enigmatic co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, Ashton Kutcher isn't necessarily the first actor that springs to mind. Despite his enthusiasm for the role and an uncanny physical resemblance, Kutcher's portrayal of Jobs fell short. Many felt that Kutcher couldn't bring the necessary gravitas and depth required to portray such a complex character. The film received a lukewarm response, with a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Steve Wozniak, the other co-founder of Apple, expressed his disappointment with the film, stating that it greatly oversimplified their journey and painted a one-dimensional picture of Jobs.

7. Vince Vaughn in "Psycho" (1998)

We all love Vince Vaughn, but as Norman Bates? That's a stretch. In the ill-advised shot-for-shot remake of Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece "Psycho," Vaughn was cast as the infamous motel owner. While Vaughn tried to bring his own spin to the character, it ended up feeling like a poor imitation of Anthony Perkins' original, chilling performance. The audience felt the same, with the film earning a dismal 40% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was a significant box office flop, and it's reported that even Hitchcock's daughter, Patricia Hitchcock, expressed her disappointment with the remake and its casting decisions.

8. Taylor Kitsch in "John Carter" (2012)

The movie adaptation of the classic novel "A Princess of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs was highly anticipated. However, when Taylor Kitsch was announced as the titular John Carter, a Civil War veteran who gets transported to Mars, many were skeptical. Despite Kitsch's best efforts, he failed to bring the needed charisma and presence to the character, leaving the audience feeling disconnected. The film was a box office disaster, making back less than half of its budget, and the response was tepid at best, with a 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Kitsch himself admitted in later interviews that the film's failure had a significant impact on his career.

9. Jesse Eisenberg in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (2016)

Jesse Eisenberg as the sinister Lex Luthor was a casting decision that left many fans scratching their heads. Known for his portrayal of introverted and awkward characters, Eisenberg's manic, over-the-top interpretation of Luthor was received with mixed reviews. Critics and fans alike felt that the character strayed too far from its comic book origins, with the film earning a mediocre 29% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

10. Colin Farrell in "Alexander" (2004)

Oliver Stone's "Alexander" boasted an all-star cast, but the decision to cast Colin Farrell as the legendary Macedonian king, Alexander the Great, was met with skepticism. With a questionable blonde wig and a shaky accent, Farrell seemed out of his depth in the role. Critics agreed, with the film receiving a low 16% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Even Stone admitted in interviews that the film didn't meet his expectations and that the critical reception had been a disappointment. Despite Farrell's attempts to bring authenticity to the character, his performance was widely regarded as one of the weaker aspects of the film.